Kids decorate gift bags for toy trains

December 15, 2005|JULIE FERRARO Tribune Correspondent

It was the type of gathering that truly reflects the holiday spirit of caring and sharing. The Penn High School String Quintet shared the gift of music at the Harris Branch of the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library on Monday evening. The holiday and classical pieces they played accompanied the children as they shared their artistic talents, making colorful gift bags. The librarians shared their own creativity and love of books with the youngsters, reading "The Polar Express" in the Children's Activity Room, which had been transformed into train cars. Everyone shared the punch, cookies and treats, too. The sharing started with a huge gift, as a matter of fact. Harris Branch manager Sarah Bard received 250 toy trains from Shell Oil Co., according to Children's Services librarian Sue Hurst. In discussions with the Children's Services staff, the decision was made to pass along the toys to those who might not receive many presents during the holiday season. Contacting Sue Dylewski, Harris Township trustee, proved fortuitous. Dylewski is also a member of the Knute Rockne Kiwanis Club of Granger. That group had already built a partnership with Harrison Primary Center in South Bend, donating books and reading to the students on a periodic basis. The Kiwanis group agreed to distribute the library's trains to students at Harrison. To make it more festive, though, the notion of having each train in a gift bag was developed into an evening event. Children's Services Supervisor Emily Smith envisioned the idea as "kind of like an open house." Patrons could stop in and listen to the music for awhile, move to the tables and decorate the gift bags, then enjoy a snack. "The kids like to decorate the bags," said Smith. "It's a way to focus on giving for the holidays." Knute Rockne Kiwanis member Nimbilasha Cushing agreed. She marveled at how the children were "excited enough to come here on a school night" to do the craft, "knowing it's not for them." As each gift bag was completed, Dylewski wrapped one of the trains in tissue paper and placed it inside. The youngsters were, indeed, excited to know another child would receive it as a gift. Twins Gavin and Cameron Beheyt, 10, came to the Harris Branch with their aunt, Karen Sharp, and her daughter, Skye, 4. Gavin admitted making the gift bag made him feel good. "I'm letting them know I care," he added. "It's a great thing they're doing," Karen Sharp stated. Helen Han, a Penn High School sophomore, was glad to be part of the event. Running a bow across the strings of her viola, she remarked, "I'm happy to help other people." Fellow musicians Angela Shan and Elizabeth Traxler, both seniors, freshman Christine Wu and her brother Lance Wu, a sophomore, echoed that sentiment.